Xavier Women’s Basketball Seeks Redemption Against Butler in BIG EAST Clash

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Xavier Musketeers women’s basketball team will host the Butler Bulldogs in a BIG EAST Conference matchup on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at the Cintas Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET, with Xavier looking to snap a five-game home losing streak.

The Musketeers (5-12, 0-6 BIG EAST) are coming off a 51-45 loss to Providence on Wednesday, where Aizhanique Mayo led the team with 14 points. Xavier has struggled offensively this season, averaging just 53.2 points per game, ranking 349th in college basketball. Their defense has allowed 64.0 points per game, resulting in a -183 scoring differential.

Butler (12-7, 2-4 BIG EAST) enters the game on a two-game winning streak, including a 63-53 victory over Georgetown on Tuesday. Kilyn McGuff, who leads the team in scoring (12.8) and rebounding (8.3) in conference play, posted 18 points in the win. The Bulldogs rank fifth in the BIG EAST in scoring defense (60.0) but eighth in scoring offense (55.0) during league games.

“Butler has been a tough opponent for us historically,” said Xavier head coach, reflecting on the team’s 1-4 record in their last five meetings against the Bulldogs. Xavier trails the all-time series 35-21, including a 3-7 record at Cintas Center since joining the BIG EAST in 2013-14.

Key players to watch include Xavier’s Meri Kanerva, who averages 10.2 points and 3.2 assists per game, and Butler’s Caroline Strande, a preseason all-conference selection averaging 13.4 points per game. The game will be streamed live on FloCollege, with tickets available through Xavier’s official website.

Xavier’s offense has struggled in recent games, averaging just 49.5 points over their last 10 contests. Meanwhile, Butler has shown resilience on the road, despite a 2-4 record away from home this season. The Bulldogs’ defense will look to capitalize on Xavier’s offensive woes, as the Musketeers shoot just 30.2% from beyond the arc.

Fans can expect a competitive matchup as both teams aim to improve their standings in the BIG EAST. Xavier will need a strong performance from its leading scorers, including Loren Christie (9.3 points per game) and Daniela Lopez (6.9 points per game), to overcome Butler’s balanced attack.